Chinese government researchers called on the nation to ease its one-child policy as soon as possible to cope with an aging population and labour shortage.

One option is allowing all people to have a second child, three researchers including Yu Dong from the State Council’s Development Research Centre wrote in an article in yesterday’s China Economic Times, a newspaper affiliated with the centre. “The longer time we take to adjust the policy, the more vulnerable we become,” the piece said.

The commentary adds to debate on the policy, adopted in the late 1970s, during the deepest economic slowdown since the global financial crisis and ahead of a once-in-a-decade power handover. Last month, the alleged forced abortion of a seven- month-old foetus sparked a public outcry and resulted in the suspension of three officials in a western city.

“It is suggested that the birth control policy be adjusted as soon as…